u/Fantastic-Tower-3313

Summerland

Stats from alternative starting point along White River Road 
(minimal stops/approximate mileage):

To log bridge (forest stroll): 2.5 miles/45 minutes one way 
To third waterfall viewpoint: 3 miles/65 minutes one way
To Fryingpan Creek bridge: 4.3 miles/95 minutes one way/1400 ft. elevation gain

To Summerland entrance sign: 5.2 miles/135 minutes one way/2100 ft. elevation gain
To Panhandle Gap: 6.6 miles/at least 180 minutes/3000 ft. elevation gain
Return trip from Summerland to alternate trailhead: 5.2 miles/100 minutes/2100 ft. elevation loss

Starting now, the day hike to Summerland has gotten longer! For the next few years NPS will be building a new bridge over Fryingpan Creek (and purportedly an improved trailhead), which means the current trailhead will be off limits. 

For those wishing to use the Wonderland Trail southbound to access Summerland, there are a few parking spots along the road about halfway between Fryingpan Creek and the Sunrise Road junction. Use the alternate signed trailhead on the west side of the road. Using this route adds around a mile each way to the trip. Another alternative is to start at the White River Campground, adding about 2 1/2 miles each way. 

This description will be based on starting at the “alternate trailhead,” which is about one mile north of the Fryingpan Creek Bridge. First, tread into the forest and bend south. At a little over .1 mile from the White River Road, the trail merges with the Wonderland Trail. In September, 2026, this junction was missing a sign indicating the distance north on the WLT to the White River Campground. It’s about 1 ½ miles, if you were curious. The sign at the junction does indicate that it’s 5 miles to Summerland (unmentioned is the .9 to the junction to the traditional trail to Summerland).  This part of the WLT doesn’t have much to offer other than the fact it's a route to get from the parking spot to the main trail. 

Once on the wide two-track traditional trail, it’s about 1 ½ miles of cool forest stroll to a year-round stream crossing and a good rest break before the trail begins the non-stop elevation gain to Summerland. For those who just want a leg stretch, this is a great turn around point. If continuing on, it’s about a ½ mile to a dramatic waterfall view of Fryingpan Creek. Actually, there are three viewpoints. Beyond the steep switchbacks connecting the three views, the trail moderates a bit, but continues its uphill climb for about 1.3 miles through relatively uninteresting forest cover. The forest here is not as dense or spectacular as the lower portion of the trail, which offers tall and wide trees along with bubbling stream crossings. The trees clear just short of the Fryingpan Creek crossing, offering open views of the surrounding jagged peaks. 

At the creek’s crossing, look downstream at a surprising waterfall that drops through a tight canyon. From here on out, the trail is mostly steep and has narrowed significantly, so be sure to rest up at the creek crossing. It is less than a mile to Summerland, but it will feel like double that. Fortunately, the trail meanders through a meadow to start with, and views of Mount Rainier and Little Tahoma open up along the way. Be sure to stop at a wide spot just before the trail swings into the forest and begins switchbacking its way up the hillside.

Toward the top of the switchbacks views re-open toward Rainier and Little Tahoma. The top switchback has consistent views through the trees before the trail makes a turn to the south and enters Summerland. You’ll know you're there because the trail passes a sign reminding hikers to stay on the trail to prevent meadow damage. 

In short order, it’s time to make some decisions. At a three-way junction, a left turn goes to Summerland camp and a decent toilet (bring your own toilet paper). Continuing forward, the trail goes a short distance to the group campsite and shelter. Just beyond the shelter is a great viewpoint up toward Panhandle Gap and downstream back toward the White River. Going right is the most logical next step, continuing through Summerland meadow and onward toward Panhandle Gap. 

After dropping down to a stream crossing in the shadow of Meany Crest, the trail makes an extreme uphill turn, using erosion steps to traverse the rest of the meadow. Large rocks dot the trail, which make great resting points with views of the meadow, Mt. Rainier, and, in some places, Little Tahoma. 

Eventually pass the edge of the meadow and arrive at a rocky ridge line. There is a sudden change at this point. The colorful beauty of Summerland is replaced with the stark beauty of huge piles of rocks and a complete lack of foliage. From here, some hikers will choose to continue less than 1 ½ miles to the summit of Panhandle Gap. It is a relentless uphill journey (gaining 900 feet along tough trail) to the top, which offers views in almost all directions, but especially south into Ohanapecosh Park, west to Mount Rainier, and north back toward Summerland and the White River Valley. 

Hiked on September 27th, 2026 to the southern edge of Summerland and on August 31st, 2025 to Panhandle Gap.

Update: the photo labeled as "Goat Island Mountain" is clearly mis-identified. There was an uploading error. The photo is actually one of the switchbacks approaching Summerland.

Full description and more photos to come.

Photo from September 27th, 2026.

For those wishing to use the Wonderland Trail southbound to access Summerland, NPS is starting work on the Fryingpan Creek Bridge replacement along the White River Road. Parking will be very tight. There are a few parking spots along the road about halfway between Fryingpan Creek and the Sunrise Road junction. Use the alternate signed trailhead on the west side of the road. Using this route adds around a mile each way to the trip. Another alternative is to start at the White River Campground, adding about 2 1/2 miles each way.

Be careful if walking along the road to access the alternate trailhead. There is no shoulder!

(Photo from Fryingpan Creek parking area at 6 p.m. on 9/27/26)

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High in the Mount Margaret Backcountry it was nice to see all three sleeping giants bathed in fall color.

The Pinnacle Saddle Trail starts at the westernmost Reflection Lake and goes south from the Stevens Canyon Road. Be aware that nearly the entire 1.3 mile distance is steep!

The start of the trail is nice and wide with erosion steps. This quality continues nearly 1/2 way up to the destination. On my map this location is labeled "The Point of No Return" since there is a picture window view of Mount Rainier. So far, this is the only view along the route. Less experienced hikers might want to decide here if low quality trail and challenging steepness is worth the effort to continue the rest of the way to the saddle.

If the choice is made to continue, be prepared for rocky conditions, and continued steepness, for the remainder of the route. In places pikas, marmots, and even a mountain goat or two might be spotted. Only a short distance beyond the "Point of No Return," the trail opens up to outstanding wide views of Mount Rainier and many other nearby Tatoosh Range peaks. The higher the trail goes, the more there is to see! In season, wildflowers are abundant along the open hillsides.

Be sure to look up to Pinnacle Peak on the left side of the trail and Plummer and Denman Peaks to the right. Many experienced hikers/climbers are often found high on these beautiful destinations. The Pinnacle Saddle Trail is often their entry point, so expect heavy traffic if the weather is good, including trail runners.

The saddle offers a narrow opening for the trail to cross to the east with views of Mount Adams, and, on clear days, Mount Hood. The trail splits left and right. Hike to the left a bit for a peek at Mount St. Helens behind Plummer Peak. Lovely Unicorn Peak and the Goat Rocks are also visible from this area.

On the return trip Mount Rainier will be front-and-center. Trace the glaciers and admire Little Tahoma, too.

**Special note...the map is for general reference only. The trail is not really as straight as it looks.

Wonder when Albertsons will take it down.

One of the most difficult hikes (based on misery factor) near Mount Rainier is the Colquhoun Peak Trail, not too far from Kelly Butte. The good news is, the trail is short, so it’s worth a visit. The official USFS trail number is 1195.

Here are the directions for the trailhead: 

From Greenwater, head toward Mount Rainier on Highway 410 and watch for paved Forest Road 70 on the left, just beyond the fire station. Follow this road a little over 8 miles to gravel Forest Road 7030 which branches north from Road 70. This junction is less than a mile west of the Greenwater Lakes Trailhead, so if you get there, you have gone too far. Newly improved (summer, 2026) Road 7030 crosses the Greenwater River and then climbs diligently past dispersed camping areas and target shooting ranges. Road 7030 eventually reaches a major junction. Left goes to Kelly Butte. You should go right on unmarked Road 7036. In less than half a mile a dirt track branches right from the main road. There is no signage at the junction, but it’s the only junction along this side of the road for a considerable distance. If you get to a clearcut with a dramatic view of Mount Stuart, you’ve gone too far, and, for safety’s sake, you’ll need to go roughly an additional half mile to a wide turn around point (which has an awesome view of Mount Rainier). 

Now, the hiking route:

Park alongside Road 7030 unless you want to tempt fate and drive the dirt track to the true trailhead. The road is narrow with no good turn around point for the full half mile to the start of the official trail. The roadbed is soft, rocky, and has ruts in places. I wouldn’t punish my car with it, but I have probably driven worse roads in the past. Hiking the road is neither interesting or boring. the road is steep in places, but nothing like the switchbacks ahead.

The track ends at a makeshift camping area where the official trail (unsigned in September, 2026) goes uphill from the absolute end of the road. The first switchback is a little tricky, but the trail quality improves after that. The switchbacks for the entire route are steep. Along the way there are two openings in the forest which afford views. The first view is north toward Glacier Peak. The second opening faces the more popular Kelly Butte and its tiny (from here) lookout tower can be spotted.

The trail tops out at a sort of junction. An unofficial trail branches right off of the main trail, and goes to an excellent rest spot on top of the rocky ridge with views south and east. Mount Rainier views from here are obscured. To get better views, continue on the main trail uphill a few yards to the former lookout site, which has some remaining relics of the past. Unfortunately, there are no views here since the trees have grown up considerably. Once you’ve noted the lookout site, turn around and backtrack to find good views of Mount Rainier. About ½ way between the lookout site and the rocky viewpoint there are two separate bootpaths to views of Mount Rainier. The one closest to the lookout is the best. The next one has obscured views, but has a more dramatic foreground. Either way, be VERY CAREFUL along the edge. It’s a steep drop off, to say the least.

Views from the top are worthwhile, but bring your a high quality photo taking device with a zoom to capture the best of  Mount Rainier.

10/10 trip. Absolutely beautiful and no smoke. We were originally meant to do the Northern Loop but that got cancelled so we just drafted a quick itinerary at the ranger station with the help of a park ranger. Benjamin hooked us up!!

Day 1 - Skyline loop. Front country camping
Day 2 - Longmire to mirror lake. Sleep at devils dream backcountry camp
Day 3 - Devils dream back to longmire. Drive to box canyon, hike to Indian bar backcountry camp
Day 4 - Indian bar to summerland backcountry
Day 5 - Summerland back to box canyon. Drive
to Seattle.

**Sorry I misspelled "Kelly" in the title of this post**

The Kelly Butte Fire Lookout is the premiere lookout structure north of Mount Rainier (outside the park itself). Suntop is nearby, but the views are arguably better from Kelly.

Getting to the trailhead might be tougher for some people than the hike itself. There are very few (if any) signs naming the forest roads that need to be negotiated to access the trailhead, and there are no signs along the roads pointing to Kelly Butte.

Here are the directions: from Greenwater, head toward Mount Rainier on Highway 410 and watch for paved Forest Road 70 on the left, just beyond the fire station. Follow this road a little over 8 miles to gravel Forest Road 7030 which branches north from Road 70. This junction is less than a mile west of the Greenwater Lakes Trailhead, so if you get there, you have gone too far. Newly improved (summer, 2026) Road 7030 crosses the Greenwater River and then climbs diligently past dispersed camping areas and target shooting ranges. Road 7030 eventually reaches a major junction. At this junction the 2026 improvements end. Right is Road 7036, which goes a short distance to the Colquhoun Peak Trailhead. Left is the way you want to go, which is still Road 7030. Stay on 7030, which is a little more "major" than the roads that branch off. Be very careful at the junction with Roads 7034 and 7032. Road 7030 goes north at the junction with 7034 and makes a right turn at the junction with 7032. As an FYI, Road 7032 heads to the unmarked trailhead for the Divide Trail, which is worth exploring. Fortunately, once you make this turn to stay on 7030 down a rocky and narrow route, confusion ends since the road all but dead ends at the Kelly Butte Trailhead.

The trail starts out on an old access road, so it's wide and that means it is easy to pass slower parties, if necessary. Do it now, because once the trail starts to climb, it is narrow and passing becomes a luxury. After just under a mile, the old road reaches its former end at a clearing where good views are available. This is a good turn around point if you are just interested in an easy trail with a good view of Mount Rainier along with foothills and valleys. Otherwise, start treading uphill through numerous switchbacks, sometimes in forest, sometimes in rocks, and eventually in open meadow. The first 1/4 mile of this stretch of trail rugged, which means difficult footing and a few scrambles across large rocks that could be difficult for some hikers. The switchbacks end after a rocky meadow area and go into sparse forest on a more traditional dirt trail. The trail still climbs, but at a more moderate rate. Keep cutting through the trees. Just before the lookout, the trail goes up and over a rocky grade. After the grade, the lookout is clearly visible perched atop a rock outcropping.

From the lookout, the trail theoretically continues north and downhill toward the Green River (which is visible from the lookout). Views and flowers might make it worth taking some of the downhill trek, but remember you will have to make your way back to the top. Also, there is a short trail to the toilet on the west side of the lookout. There are good views from there, too (and not just of the wooden pit commode). Enjoy the views from the deck of the lookout on all sides. Look for Glacier Peak, Mount Stuart, and, if it's clear, Mount Baker, in addition to Mount Rainier.

The Kelly Butte Trail is located in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and is numbered 1031.

As of August 31st, the trail to Pinnacle Saddle has reopened. See the map for specifics. It's hard to tell whether trails east and west from the saddle are open.

See the map for trails that will be accessible starting on September 5th. The orange area, along with red trails/roads, remains closed. Basically, anything SOUTH of the Sourdough Ridge Trail and the Palisades Trail will be open.

Reopening September 5:

• White River Road and all trails along the road (Owyhigh Lakes, Wonderland Trail to Summerland and beyond, Glacier Basin Trail, Wonderland Trail to Frozen Lake).
• White River Campground
• Sunrise Trails: Sunrise Road remains CLOSED to public vehicles from the White River Road junction. Pedestrian and bicycle access will be permitted on Sunrise Road starting Sept. 5. Trails open in the Sunrise area between Sunrise and White River. Open camps: Sunrise Camp, Upper Palisades, Dick's Lake.
• Remaining closed: Northern Loop Trail, Wonderland Trail west of Frozen Lake, Huckleberry Creek Trail, Lake Eleanor Trail (Grand Park), and Mount Fremont Lookout.

Through the haze, there was plenty to see!

To Rainier View (first viewpoint):
One way-about 1.1 miles (sources disagree...perhaps up to 1.5 miles)
Elevation gain-about 300 feet

To Trail 1188 junction: 
One way-about 2.2 miles
Total elevation gain-no additional gain

Option: continue up to 1/2 mile further beyond the junction with significant elevation gain

Visiting Corral Pass is a unique experience, to say the least. A few years ago a fire turned the area into a silver forest and made the views spectacular. That has its drawbacks, though. There is very little shade along trails here. Also, the road to get here is probably the worst in the Highway 410 area to a developed site.

To access Corral Pass, be sure your vehicle is in good condition. Be sure it's high clearance. Be sure to bring your patience. Heading toward Mount Rainier National Park on Highway 410, watch for Forest Road 7174 on the east side of the road. If you get to the Silver Springs Campground, you have gone too far. Initially the road is misleadingly well maintained. There are cabins in the area, so that means there is at least some attempt to keep the route in good shape. After a bit, there is a well-defined junction that may or may not be signed. Keep left as the road pulls out of the cabin area and begins to climb. Not too far ahead is the small trailhead for the White River Trail, which goes north. At this point there are warning signs about the road (not for trailers or sedans) and a gate. Hopefully it's open! Now you are about to have the time of your life as the road climbs steeply and swings switchbacks that would be tough on foot, let alone in an automobile. After a few miles, you can take a few breaths as the road does level out a bit when the switchbacks end, but the road quality does not improve. Watch for ruts, potholes, and rocks. Bob up (and down a little, too), and eventually reach the Corral Pass.

There are actually TWO trailhead parking areas here. One trailhead is to the north, right where the road reaches Corral Pass, and the other sort of in the middle, near the access point for the campground. The north trail heads toward Noble Knob on a lovely and often flower-laden path (#1184, northbound). In the middle is a large parking area and privy. This is your spot. Hang up your NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) before you leave the parking area. From here, one trail (#1184, southbound with access to Hidden Lake and trail #1176) takes off east (unsigned in August, 2026). This isn't your trail. Yours takes off on the west side of the lot, by the privy and picnic tables (signed in August, 2026). Remember, this place is almost completely burned, so, to keep yourself from burning, make sure to dress appropriately and apply sunscreen.

The Rainier View Trail (#1155) heads due west for a bit and climbs at a mostly gentle rate to a hillside, then swings south, holding on to the hill, going from gentle to moderate in steepness. Views are far and wide to the east through the beautiful silver forest. The trail swings around the end of the ridge and views of the rocky peaks of Castle Mountain come into view. At this point, the trail enters the Norse Peak Wilderness and becomes gentle again. Eventually the trail takes another turn, this time to the south, reaching a low part of Castle Mountain that forms a ledge with outstanding views in almost every direction, but especially west and south. At this turn a trail from the Corral Pass Road used to join, but I haven't found any signs of it on any of my visits. No matter, the trail from the Corral Pass Trailhead is much easier than that trail would be.

Wow! Mount Rainier is clearly visible across rolling foothills that are on the west side of Highway 410. There are limitless viewpoints along the ledge. Take in those views and continue on as the trail flips to the east side of the ridge and the views disappear. Most hikers will chose to continue, even though Mount Rainier is temporarily out of view, toward the prominent peaks of Castle Mountain.

Suddenly, there is a surprise junction in the midst of a surprise evergreen forest surrounded by the silver forest. "Former" trail #1188 drops from this oddly well-signed junction, but in my attempt to traverse the first part of the trail, I didn't feel comfortable going beyond the first 1/2 mile. Theoretically the trail meets up with another trail that loops back to #1184 (previously mentioned), and, therefore, Corral Pass. The trail numbers get a bit jumbled in this area of the wilderness, so if you intend to attempt this route, do some research first to prevent heading the wrong direction.

But back to Castle Mountain. The trail continues steeply uphill (in this case, up mountain) beyond the junction. At first there are no views of Mount Rainier, but they return again, arguably better than the earlier views. There are some great places to sit and relax. Continue as long as you feel comfortable under the "cap" of Castle Mountain. The trail eventually dead-ends high in the midst of Castle Mountain. On my 2026 visit I was greeted by a lone mountain goat. which was surprised to see me. (I didn't come across any humans along the trail, so expect some solitude!)

When you feel like it, turn around and have an enjoyable downhill trek back to the trailhead and consider if it was worth taking your life in your hands to get here. Then, prepare to do the same thing on the downhill jaunt along Road 7174.

An absolutely amazing hike in spite of the smoky haze. Adding on views of and from Castle Mountain only made the hike more stunning.